Hi There,
I have my first trailer project going...basically, I've taken the stock suspension off of a base model Kamparoo leaving just the 'box tent' of the Kamparoo. I've already had a new frame built to my specs. with a #3500 axle. I'll be putting the Kamperoo 'box tent' on the new frame. There will be room for water, fuel, propane, camping box, and my Suzuki DRZ400, maybe a battery. I'll do the less 'structural' welding coming off the main frame to create the space for the above items.
The top of the Kamparoo will get a bigger rack to hold items like, moutain bikes, chairs, firewood, other containers with gear, etc..
Anyway, my concerns...the trailer spring mounting kits sure seem light duty (although probably adequate in reality). I went with the longest trailer spring I could find, 30", but the hangers and shackles seem like weak spots compared to the rest of the trailer (2"x3" .120 wall). Each spring supports 1250lbs., so the longer softer springs should make for a more compliant ride.
I'm thinking I'm not happy with the placement of my axle (too far forward). What do you think? It's the one thing I and the frame maker never ironed out; they made the call without my input and now I'm thinking it's not ideal. So, if I'm going to go through the effort of having the axle pushed backwards, I'd like to use some heavier duty hardware to 'hang' the leaf springs. What have other folks done? Any options? The bushings in these trailer springs sure seem cheesy too, allowing for all kinds of movement and clanking. Maybe this is why so many people use automotive springs??
I have my first trailer project going...basically, I've taken the stock suspension off of a base model Kamparoo leaving just the 'box tent' of the Kamparoo. I've already had a new frame built to my specs. with a #3500 axle. I'll be putting the Kamperoo 'box tent' on the new frame. There will be room for water, fuel, propane, camping box, and my Suzuki DRZ400, maybe a battery. I'll do the less 'structural' welding coming off the main frame to create the space for the above items.
The top of the Kamparoo will get a bigger rack to hold items like, moutain bikes, chairs, firewood, other containers with gear, etc..
Anyway, my concerns...the trailer spring mounting kits sure seem light duty (although probably adequate in reality). I went with the longest trailer spring I could find, 30", but the hangers and shackles seem like weak spots compared to the rest of the trailer (2"x3" .120 wall). Each spring supports 1250lbs., so the longer softer springs should make for a more compliant ride.
I'm thinking I'm not happy with the placement of my axle (too far forward). What do you think? It's the one thing I and the frame maker never ironed out; they made the call without my input and now I'm thinking it's not ideal. So, if I'm going to go through the effort of having the axle pushed backwards, I'd like to use some heavier duty hardware to 'hang' the leaf springs. What have other folks done? Any options? The bushings in these trailer springs sure seem cheesy too, allowing for all kinds of movement and clanking. Maybe this is why so many people use automotive springs??
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